ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB Extreme AIO CPU Cooler Review and Features

Description

Design and Build Quality

I’ve got to admit, the ASUS ROG RYUJIN III 360 ARGB EXTREME immediately caught my attention with its sleek, futuristic design. The 3.5-inch LCD screen is an absolute showstopper. It feels like a mini sci-fi dashboard right inside your PC. The screen resolution, sitting at 640×480 with a 60Hz refresh rate, isn’t just for show – it’s functional. I had a blast customizing it with animated GIFs and monitoring real-time data like temperature, voltage, and fan speeds. It adds a layer of interactivity I didn’t know I needed. The ARGB magnetic fans, with their thickened frames and sleek diffusion of light, look phenomenal while maintaining a clean, cohesive aesthetic.

The construction feels solid, which is essential for a 7.8-pound piece of hardware. Installation is straightforward, especially with the snap-together magnetic fans that eliminate the usual fiddling. However, I noticed the unit’s size might be a tight fit for smaller cases. If you’re using a compact build, double-check your dimensions because this cooler demands some space.

Performance and Cooling Efficiency

This liquid cooler doesn’t play around. Powered by Asetek’s Gen8 V2 pump, it’s built to handle high-performance demands. I tested it with an AMD Ryzen 9000 series processor, and the cooling performance was nothing short of exceptional. The 3-phase motor pump ensures a higher flow rate with lower impedance, translating into efficient heat dissipation even during intense workloads. The embedded VRM fan in the pump housing is a small but impactful addition, keeping temperatures in check for my motherboard’s power delivery system.

What stood out to me was how quiet it remained under pressure. The noise-optimized ARGB fans do their job incredibly well. Even when the system was pushed to its limits, the cooler maintained a balance between airflow and noise levels. I could barely hear it during late-night gaming sessions, which, let’s face it, is a huge perk.

Good Points

• Exceptional cooling performance with the Asetek Gen8 V2 pump.
• Customizable 3.5-inch LCD adds both aesthetics and functionality.
• Noise-optimized magnetic ARGB fans deliver high airflow without excessive noise.
• Embedded VRM fan for added motherboard cooling.
• Straightforward installation with snap-together components.

Areas for Improvement

• The size may pose challenges for smaller PC cases.
• The LCD customization software can feel clunky at times.
• Pricier than many competitors, which might deter budget-conscious buyers.

Software and Customization

The software is where the cooler shines – and stumbles a bit. The AIDA64 integration with ROG themes is a standout feature. I loved how I could monitor metrics like coolant flow and clock speeds directly from the LCD screen. However, the interface isn’t the most user-friendly. It took me a while to navigate through the options and get everything set up just the way I wanted. Once it’s configured, though, it’s smooth sailing.

Having control over pump and fan speeds is a game-changer. It allowed me to tweak the settings based on my use case, whether I needed silent operation or maximum cooling during rendering tasks. The customization potential here is immense; I just wish the process felt more intuitive.

Market Rivals

Comparing this cooler to others like the NZXT Kraken Z73 or Corsair iCUE H150i Elite LCD, it’s clear where the ROG RYUJIN III 360 ARGB EXTREME excels. The 3.5-inch LCD screen is leagues ahead of the Kraken’s smaller display, both in size and functionality. The magnetic ARGB fans also bring a unique installation advantage that Corsair’s models lack. However, the Corsair coolers often come with slightly better software ecosystems, making the customization process less of a headache.

In terms of cooling performance, the RYUJIN III stands toe-to-toe with both competitors. Noise levels are lower here, thanks to ASUS’s noise optimization. Still, the price point might push some users toward alternatives, particularly if they don’t prioritize the LCD screen or the ARGB aesthetics.

Price Performance

Is it worth the investment? That depends on what you’re looking for. If you prioritize aesthetics, customization, and silent operation, this cooler delivers in spades. The build quality and premium features justify the higher price tag for enthusiasts and overclockers. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t care much about fancy displays, there are more affordable options available that can still provide excellent cooling.

For me, the immersive customization features and cooling efficiency make it feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. The snap-together fans alone save time and effort during setup, which is worth considering if you hate fiddling with screws and mounts.

Overall, this cooler feels like it’s designed for those who want a blend of performance, aesthetics, and modern tech integration. It’s not perfect, but the ASUS ROG RYUJIN III 360 ARGB EXTREME is undoubtedly a powerhouse that stands out in a crowded market.

Additional information